- 1Turn off engine and remove keys from ignition
- 2Wear safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves
- 3Locate battery (usually under hood, sometimes in trunk)
- 4Clean terminals with wire brush if corroded
- 5Remove negative (-) terminal cable first using proper wrench
- 6Remove positive (+) terminal cable second
- 7Remove battery hold-down clamp or bracket
- 8Lift battery carefully using proper lifting technique (40+ lbs)
- 9Place immediately in upright position in vehicle
- 10Never tip, shake, or turn battery upside down
- 11Transport in plastic container or cardboard box for spill protection
- 12Keep battery terminals from touching metal during transport
- Auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto, NAPA)
- Service stations (Jiffy Lube, Valvoline Instant Oil, mechanics)
- Scrap yards and metal recyclers ($5-$15 cash value)
- Municipal hazardous waste facilities (free disposal)
- Big box retailers (Walmart, Costco, Home Depot)
Contains sulfuric acid and lead. Federal law requires management as Universal Waste. Retailers legally required to accept old batteries. Never transport leaking batteries in enclosed vehicles.
Lead is highly toxic to humans and wildlife, causing neurological damage. One battery can contaminate up to 25,000 gallons of water. However, recycling achieves 99% lead recovery for new batteries, prevents 2.5 million tons from entering landfills annually, and saves 85% energy vs. primary lead production.
Accepted
- Standard car/truck batteries
- Marine deep-cycle batteries
- Motorcycle batteries
- RV/recreational vehicle batteries
- Commercial vehicle batteries
Not Accepted
- Cracked batteries actively leaking acid
- Batteries with damaged terminals creating safety hazards
- Lithium-ion hybrid/electric vehicle batteries (different recycling process)
Estimated value: $5-$15 scrap value + $10-$75 core charge refund
- Lead (60% of battery weight)
- Sulfuric acid
- Plastic casing
How do I know if my battery is dead or just needs charging?
Test voltage with multimeter: 12.6V+ is good, 12.4-12.6V needs charging, below 12.4V likely needs replacement. Also check CCA rating - if below 70% of original rating, replace.
What's the difference between AGM and standard flooded batteries for recycling?
Both contain lead and acid and recycle the same way. AGM batteries are sealed and safer to transport, while flooded batteries may leak if damaged. Both have same core charge and scrap value.
Can I get money for old batteries without buying new ones?
Yes! Scrap yards and recycling centers pay $5-$15 per battery. You won't get the core charge refund, but you'll get scrap value based on lead content.
Is it illegal to throw car batteries in regular trash?
Yes, it's illegal in most states. Lead-acid batteries are classified as Universal Waste and must be recycled. Fines can range from $100-$1000+ depending on local laws.
How long do I have to return a battery for core charge refund?
Typically 30 days from purchase, though policies vary by retailer. Keep your receipt and return a similar battery type (car for car, marine for marine).
What should I do if my battery is leaking acid?
Don't touch the battery directly. Neutralize visible acid with baking soda, wear protective equipment, and take immediately to hazardous waste facility. Don't transport leaking batteries in enclosed vehicles.
Can I recycle hybrid or electric vehicle batteries with regular car batteries?
No! Hybrid/EV batteries are lithium-ion and require specialized recycling. Only lead-acid batteries go to automotive battery recycling. Contact dealer for hybrid/EV battery disposal.